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Man Utd v Arsenal – View From The Enemy – Great in depth Preview

We are in for a fascinating evenings entertainment from Old Trafford, as Arsenal’s nemesis Jose Mourinho tries to stop Unai Emery’s incredible unbeaten run since the opening two games of the season. The Red Devils extensive injury problems will give us extra confidence but with the resilience that Arsenal have showed over the last few months we know that they will fight to the death or at least for 90 plus minutes!

So this latest View From the Enemy comes direct from the Man United website and it is full of interesting info about the game.

Read on and enjoy…..

Manchester United’s busy December schedule continues with a significant game on Wednesday night, when another side with top-four aspirations, Arsenal, comes to Old Trafford.

The match comes just four days after our clash with Southampton and after the disappointment of drawing 2-2 at St Mary’s, Jose Mourinho will be hoping to make home advantage count and continue his impressive record against the Gunners.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game…
TEAM NEWS
Jose has a number of defensive injury concerns heading into the game, with doubts surrounding Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw, while Victor Lindelof will definitely miss the game, as will Ashley Young, who is suspended after picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Southampton. It means Diogo Dalot could be in line to register his first Premier League start for the Reds, after making his competition bow as a substitute on Saturday, although Matteo Darmian is another option. Marcos Rojo is still awaiting his first senior appearance of the season following a knee injury.

In attack, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford both came off at Southampton with knocks but, so far, there has been no suggestion they will join Alexis Sanchez on the sidelines. As reported last week, the Chilean is out of action until the New Year and will therefore miss the chance to face his former club for a second time.

WHAT ABOUT ARSENAL?
The Gunners also have a number of fitness concerns at the back. Shkodran Mustafi was withdrawn against Tottenham at the weekend and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit for Wednesday. Should he be ruled out, the centre-back will join Laurent Koscielny, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Nacho Monreal on the sidelines. Another German who might be unavailable is Mesut Ozil. The 30-year-old playmaker missed the Spurs game with a back injury which could force him to sit out the trip to Old Trafford. Granit Xhaka will definitely miss the match through suspension, while former Reds striker Danny Welbeck is continuing to recover from the ankle fracture he suffered last month.

HOW ARE THE GUNNERS GETTING ON?
Arsenal are on an impressive 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions – their last defeat actually came in the second match of the Premier League season, against Chelsea. Last time out the Gunners came from behind to beat local rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Lucas Torreira. The North London club have picked up 30 points from a possible 42 to date and are fourth in the table.

ONE TO WATCH
Torreira is in good form and was voted Man of the Match on Sunday when he notched his first Arsenal goal. The Uruguayan midfielder, who joined the Gunners in the summer, is a great passer and loves a tackle too.

END OF AN ERA
This is the first time in the Premier League that Manchester United v Arsenal will be played without either Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger in the dugouts. The pair shared the Premier League title for nine seasons between 1996 and 2004 and developed a strong rivalry over the years. Last time the Gunners came to Old Trafford, Wenger was presented with an honorary vase by his old adversaries Sir Alex and Jose, to commemorate the Frenchman’s extraordinary 22-year reign as Arsenal boss.

OUR RECORD AGAINST ARSENAL
We’ve faced the Gunners on 227 previous occasions, the first of which was in 1894. We have a slightly better record over the years than Arsenal and have won 98 times compared to their 82. There have also been 47 draws between the teams. In the last meeting, at Old Trafford in April, United triumphed 2-1 thanks to a late winner from Marouane Fellaini.

CLASSIC ENCOUNTER
In August 2011, the Reds put the Gunners to the sword at Old Trafford with a superb 8-2 victory. Current Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck started the scoring that day for the Reds, before Ashley Young netted a brace, Wayne Rooney bagged a hat-trick and Nani and Ji-sung Park also got on the scoresheet in one of our most memorable Premier League games.

WHO’S THE REFEREE?
Andre Marriner will oversee proceedings on Wednesday. The 47-year-old last took charge of a United game during the opening weekend of the Premier League season, when we beat Leicester City 2-1. Marriner will be assisted by Scott Ledger and Simon Long, while Chris Kavanagh will be fourth official on the night.

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That is not a bad preview, and to be honest it is a lot more in depth than we get from Arsenal! But the quality of the website post will have no effect on the game tonight and we are definitely not going to break our unbeaten run against moaning Mourinho’s losers….

A long but hardly insightful preview. It told us nothing we did not already know, save perhaps the totally irrelevant stats from past matches , which have about as much relevance to tonights game as the price of the Old Trafford pies. I have always thought that unless you are going to add something of value or at least humour to aid human converstations , why bother writing at all? It is mostly corporate and boringly bland nonsense as too is the football programme industry at top level. You might also think my post is mere time and space filling for no purpose and you would not be wrong! I have not bought club programmes for many years but I always buy fanzines, as they are full of REAL FAN opinion.

Jon, if you want a real laugh, go to you tube and click on a spud supporter commentating on the match as it happens.
It is absolutely hilarious, especially when they go 2-1 up and he predicts the final score.
This is what real fans go through and it’s so much better simply because it’s a spud complaining about poch and the team.
Recommend it to everyone!!

I have been proud of what we have achieved so far this season. I feel our bench is a bit lightweight. The only game changer is see is Lacazette. I hope so won’t need to change the game from the bench today.

Mourinho’s put his tactical hat on
Starting with his Big-game-relishing players (Rashford & Lingard)
With his bullies (Pogba,Lukaku & Fellaini) on the bench to come in 2nd half and nullify our steady 2nd half excels
Looks like a brilliant idea
Hope we have more in the bag for him

(By the way, Ramsey’s the major Big-Game-Relishing Player Arsenal has)

I did say this to Jon Fox before that Guendouzi has talent but he is not a replacement for what Xhaka gives us in the middle yet. He is error prone and although he is more mobile, he does not dictate as well as Xhaka yet. Like it or not it’s Xhaka and Torreira that make our midfield work better.

If laca comes on and Mhiki plays a false nine it might be ok but I’m not confident we can win without Xhaka and Ramsey on the pitch, we are losing the midfield battle at the moment.

What nonsense about Xhaka. Guendouzi is miles better , changes play and direction , is fast, is aware, is committed and miles ahead of slow,cumbersome Xhaka. Xhaka being out tonight was a massive bonus for us. That should be obvious to all who REALLY know about football.

I was worried we’d miss Xhaka for tonight’s game because himself and Torriera are playing well over this run, as a two. He is a little prone to an error but so can Guendouzi be. Tonight Guendouzi had a great game, terrific performance. Though I will state, that the minutes which most of these players on show, gave over the last few weeks, well it showed. Guendouzi had more energy about him than Torriera and others, and I think it is possible that he would’ve started this game either way, whether Xhaka was fit or not.

I don’t like how fans are quick to turn on players when the team is on such a great run. I heard people getting on Iwobi’s case, even though he played a fair part in this run but has just fallen a little off form over the last few games. But the run is 20 games long. Ozil fans esp need not be double standard about this stuff. Xhaka played a part in the London derby, our best performance of the season, so say the many. He has also played a huge part along this run. Fans are like vipers, this place resembles a cesspool as the games are in play.

It’s all going Pete Tong… we’re not playing very well… Lichtsteiner has come on… amazes me how Iwobi is in the team every week….the only game changer we have on the bench is Laca… and we had to rely on a De Gea howler for our goal!!!
Please guys pick it up in the 2nd half 🙏

Thought the performance was good. Barely any clear chances on both sides but we are holding well. I expect a scrappy win but will be satisfied with a draw. Utd need the result more than us so hopefully they will expose themselves coming at us and we will nick a goal.

Don’t be too hard on yourself Sue, I’m also a bit disappointed we never took all three points but it least we never lost. you must remember we played in a very high tempo game at the weekend and put in 120% effort. Also I’m sure you noticed that United had their usual extra day’s rest which we know is given to them on every possible occasion. I’m sure if it was a Cup Final played on a neutral ground with both teams having the same rest period we’d have won. What makes me laugh though is when a goal is given when Herriera, who was clearly offside but deemed not important by the tv presenters because it was fractional, however when we score one as in the case of Lacazette last year against Stoke City, they spent ten minutes looking to see if his little toe was in an offside position and then declared “offside is offside, don’t matter how small the margin.

Yes everything goes United’s way as usual Kenny! Fellaini was his usual dirty self, yanking Guendouzi’s hair like that – idiot. I just hate it when we lead then let it slip! Oh well if I’m still gutted tomorrow after work I’ll watch the NLD highlights…that’ll cheer me up for sure 😊
On to Saturday.. 20 & counting…..

Sue , I am with KENNY and feel you are being a little hard on us. With four points from these two games we should be really happy, esp as we were clearly better in both games than them. Think how far we have come since August. It is brilliant! I predicted a hard fought draw and am satisfied with that, overall, though I agree about bad the refs decisions. Like your final line though and that is the way to think now onwards.

Yes but at least we gave them problems! Unfortunately I think Kolasinac though solid defensively, did not cross well. We need Monreal back. He supports attack better. Also right side of the team was lacking creativity. Torreira and Guendozi worked hard in the middle but blunders at the back lost us the game. Anyways am not really disappointed, away games are always tough as Chelsea were rudely reminded today.

We deserved to win but have to say I was surprised by the cheap tactics of mourinho, I think the sloppiness shown by the defence was due to fatigue this is our 3rd game in 6-7 days I think one more to come this Saturday.

I know right! Mkhitaryan is such a disappointment I hope something happens and he rediscovers his BVB form. As for Ozil, he wouldn’t have put in half the work rate Guendozi did in that midfield 2. Then again maybe if he were available Emery would have gone with 3 in midfield.

Alot of energy exerted in the last 3 days. I think that was showing today. Compounded with not having a larger squad to work with (Ozil, Welbeck…)
Fair result but we talk about progress and we can safely say areas of improvement is still obvious.

The ref acted like he was out on an evening stroll in Disneyland. Noticed how long he took to blow for obvious fouls? What was he waiting for to happen? His dying brain cells to reform? Bloody hell that cuck.

Haha he’s got the same nose as her Sue 😁 13 seconds we held the lead for ? That’s unacceptable and some fans are happy with the point! Haven’t won a single league game there in 12 years and it goes on! We will never get a better chance to beat them cos they are without exaggerating a bad bad team! I need to get my mind off the game or I’m gonna break something 😂

Yes agree absolutely Sue dived and offside and that referee was as bad as Fellaini’s hair! And laca goal should have stood keeper had ball in one hand, they need to clear that rule up cos I honestly think they don’t know themselves! Let’s take comfort that they will get smashed at anfield next weekend and we won’t have to see the wicked witch of the west do that Milly rock or whatever the damn stupid dance is called 😂

That’s why none of those clowns went to the world cup 😛 haha take comfort that Fulham will beat them Saturday 😂 ah well we move on Sue lets make it 21 at the weekend then we got a week off, can’t imagine anyone but the reserves will play against Qarabag 😁

A point at OT is never a bad thing, and we didn’t play badly either. I think the boys will be disappointed they conceded immediately after scoring for sure. 20 games unbeaten though so not much to complain about, Emery still going strong and we are still keeping pace with the top 4 which is our main objective this season. Let’s bounce back next match and get those 3 points. Loss of Holding hurts though 🙁

I can’t remember the last time a draw at oldtraford feel like a fair result. We could have won it if it isnot the sloppiness of our defense and Jose do stokescity tactic in the match. I will take the draw but I feel the team deserves better.

No one has yet properly praised the obvious passion and work rate that all players gave throughout. YES there were mistakes by both sides but I much enjoyed a blood and thunder all out Prem game played by MEN not boys and was immensely proud of our team and club tonight. I really wanted to slap the idiot McManaman for his ludicrous comments on BT SPORT. Never thought I would welcome Michal Owen back instead, but I do now. I thought all gave 100% and that Torreira and Guendouzi stood out admirably for us. Guendouzi is miles ahead of cumbersome, slow and slow witted Xhaka at changing play, being mobile and setting up attacks. Anyone who still prefers the woeful Xhaka to Guendouzi is barking mad , in my view. Proud of you all, Arsenal!!!

Guendouzi gave away the free kick that eventually led to their goal, although he was mobile, it was obvious that the physicality of United impeded our midfield. He is also slower with decision making and usually takes an extra touch before playing the ball sometimes slowing us down.

He is better as a sub and it is clear why Xhaka is preferred by the manager to play – Xhaka pushes the ball quicker and even when Guendouzi is subbed on, Xhaka stays on. You could see United were targetting Guendouzi and the space he would occupy for obvious reasons.

If it had been Xhaka and Torreira in the middle with Ramsey, we might have had more opportunities for the overlap because of the transition.

Considering we could have won and our players got injured 3 players in Holding, Ramsey and possibly Mustafi, Torreira almost himself, this is not a good result. Losing one of our most consistent defenders, along with our man who has the most assists and another injured, this was not a good game.

There is still naivety to his game since he is so young. I thought there were pros and cons for him. I actually did miss Xhaka very much this game (though this is also a game he couldve finally gotten another red in too). And yes, the injuries are not good at all considering we are heading towards holiday congestion of matches. Holding’s really hurts. It looks serious and I have to hope it’s just a month max.

The referee almost cost us the game but the team fought really hard. A 8/10 performance and 10/10 display of fight and spirit. And mourinho, that scared little c*nt, had to resort to thuggery to get a draw.

A point at OT is never a bad outcome but this is the worst man utd team in a decade so it feels like 2 points dropped then again our performance in first 45 was woeful .. Just hope it’s the last time we see Iwobi ant Ramsey starting … Hapless pairing .. Emery has to find ways of getting more out of aub laca ozil combo … And a new right back and centre half essential .. The difference van dyke has made to lpool defense shows what a good purchase can do at back

We’ve got limited options. Miki is worse, and it seems Emery is trying to keep some defensive balance by not starting Auba and Lacazette. Or, Auba Emery at least realizes Auba is out of the match for 90% of time time he is wide. January, I think we will definitely be looking for a wide players. What we have, isn’t very sufficient.

Happy we came away with 1 point after 90+ minutes with another Stoke City United. That means we are improving muscle wise. United had only one mission – injure Arsenal players – and they succeeded in giving us injuries, both those who had to be substituted and those yet to feel the kicks later. Let hope they are not so serious.